Owl Safaris – Travel Quick Reference Guide
Southern Africa & Indian Ocean Islands
1. Travel Documents
Passport valid 6+ months beyond travel dates
2–3 blank pages for visas and stamps
Visas may be required depending on nationality – check before travel
Carry travel insurance info and emergency contacts
2. Health & Vaccinations
Consult your local travel clinic for the latest vaccine requirements
Yellow fever certificate if arriving from endemic countries
Malaria prophylaxis recommended in certain regions
Bring medications & a basic first aid kit
3. Safety & Security
Exercise usual caution in cities; avoid displaying valuables
Follow ranger instructions and park rules in wildlife areas
Stay informed about local conditions and political stability
Use reputable transport operators
4. Money & Payments
Major credit and debit cards are generally accepted in towns, lodges, and tourist areas
Carry some cash for rural locations, markets, or smaller vendors where cards may not be accepted
ATMs are widely available in towns and larger lodges, but may be limited in remote areas
Check with your bank about international fees and notify them of your travel plans
5. Local Laws & Customs
Respect local customs, dress codes, and religious sites
Strict penalties for drugs or wildlife violations
Environmental rules enforced – do not remove plants, animals, or coral
6. Transport & Driving
Drive on the left-hand side of the road
International Driving Permit recommended
Rural roads may be unpaved; drive cautiously, especially at night
Use reputable taxis, shuttles, or rideshare apps in cities
7. Communication
Local SIM cards are inexpensive and widely available
Internet is generally available in towns, lodges, and tourist areas
Mobile coverage may be limited in remote areas
8. Climate & Packing
Coastal areas: tropical; inland: arid; highlands: temperate
Light clothing for daytime; warm layers for evenings/high altitude
Comfortable walking shoes and safari-appropriate clothing
Sun protection: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
9. Wildlife & Nature
Maintain a safe distance from animals; never feed wildlife
Follow park rules and ranger guidance
Binoculars and cameras recommended
10. Emergency Contacts
Contact Owl Safaris directly for assistance or support during your trip
Keep travel insurance provider contact info accessible
Tip: Travel prepared, respect local culture and wildlife, and enjoy an unforgettable adventure
Evolution has occurred more or less in isolation on this remote island – located 400 kilometres off Africa’s east coast – with the result that much of its indigenous wildlife is found nowhere else on earth. Madagascar’s menagerie of weird and wonderful creatures includes the world’s biggest and smallest chameleons and over 70 species of lemur – long-tailed primates endemic to the island. The Madagascan landscape is no less compelling than the resident wildlife, with terrain ranging from lush jungles and palm-fringed beaches to the knife-edged karst tsingys of the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park’s ‘stone forests’. Madagascar is an otherworldly paradise where visitors are offered a unique glimpse into a fantastical one-of-a-kind world.
Banking and Currency
Currency
Local currency: Ariary
Symbol: Ar
ISO code: MGA
Central bank: Central Bank of Madagascar
Subunit: Iraimbilanja
Banknotes: Notes are in denominations of Ar20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100.
Coins: Coins are in denominations of Ar50, 20, 10, 5, 2, 1, and 2, 1 Iraimbilanja.
Banking
Card Transactions:
ATMs: Yes, mostly in and around the capital
Mastercard: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities
Visa: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities
American Express: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities
Diner’s Club: Yes, mostly in and around the major cities
Banking Hours:
Weekdays: 08:00 –11:00 and 16:00
Weekends: No
Public Holidays: No
Foreign exchange services: Yes
Travel, Transport and Getting Around
Air:
Main airlines: Air Madagascar
International Airports: Ivato International Airport
Road:
Tar roads: No
Gravel roads: No
Valid International Drivers License needed: Yes
Car hire available: Yes
Taxis: Yes
Uber available: No
Bus:
Inter-city bus services: Yes/No
Local city bus networks: Yes/No
Rail:
Railway system: Yes
Subway System: No
Water:
Ferries: Yes
Water taxis: Yes
Leisure cruises: Yes
Food, Drink and Cuisine Advice
Food and water safety:
Can you drink the tap water: No
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes, only if well-cooked and peeled
Ice: No
Meat: Yes, only if well-cooked
Street food: No
Local cuisine:
Madagascar's cuisine blends African, Asian, and European influences. Staples include rice, zebu meat, and seafood, seasoned with local spices. Notable dishes are Romazava (beef stew) and Mofo Anana (bread with greens). For dessert, Koba is a mix of peanuts, bananas, and honey.
Drinks:
Ranovola - Burnt rice water
Three Horses Beer
Malagasy Wine
Litchel - An aperitif made from lychees.
Rhum arrangé - Homemade flavoured rums
Tipping: 5%
Climate and Weather
Annual rainfall: The average annual precipitation varies from 1,000 to 1,500 mm.
Average temperature: The average annual temperatures vary between 23°C and 27°C along the coast and between 16°C and 19°C in the central mountains.
Summer:
Average in highs: 27°C
Average in lows: 17°C
Winter:
Average in highs: 21°C
Average in lows: 11°C
Best time to visit:
April to October are generally the best months to visit Madagascar. This dry, cool season is when days are bright and usually warm to very warm and nights mild, perfect for either lazy leisure seeking or a thrilling outdoor adventure.
Clothing and Dress Recommendations
Spring and Summer
Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes
Lightweight warm clothes: Yes
Winter and Autumn
Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Yes
Heavyweight clothing and boots: No
General
Umbrella and raincoat: Yes
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes
Walking shoes: Yes
Casual: Yes
Smart-casual attire: Yes
Internet Availability
Wifi available at:
Internet cafes: Yes
Accommodation options: Yes
Restaurants: No
Cafes: No
Shopping malls: No
Public parks: No
Libraries: No
Electricity and Plug Standards
Plug Type: C and E
Voltage (V): 220 V
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50 Hz
*A Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.
